Holly, Yew and Box 



flowers are borne in terminal panicles during 

 October and November, and are whitish in 

 colour. An ornamental variety is in commerce 

 known as rubra, or sometimes called Croomii ; 

 this has reddish flowers. Other varieties 

 are compacta, integerrima, microphylla, and 

 quercifolia. 



The Rhododendrons 



For places where Rhododendrons thrive the 

 genus Rhododendron opens up a wide field for 

 selection, for not only are many of them ex- 

 cellent evergreens, but they are also the most 

 gorgeous of flowering shrubs. In the genus 

 material may be found for all sorts of sites and 

 conditions, for we find some which rarely rise 

 more than a foot or so above the ground, whilst 

 there are others which attain almost tree-like 

 dimensions. Then, very many are eminently 

 suited for the most conspicuous place that can 

 be allotted them, whilst others form an excellent 

 undergrowth for thin woods. The common R. 

 ponticum, when allowed to grow freely, forms an 

 immense bush 12 to 1 8 feet high, and proves an 

 excellent block to shut out unsightly objects, 

 whilst if cut over occasionally it forms an ideal 

 cover plant. A charming feature can be made 

 by grouping together many of the small-growing 

 species, whilst the larger growing ones and the 



252 



